29 ... code for almost 30.

Today is the 29th of March.
I am 29 years old today.
In a few {very short} days I will be ... 30.
I'm having a difficult time processing that little tidbit of information.
Thirty.
Whoa.

I'm honestly not too sure what to make of it. I don't feel like I am approaching some huge milestone in my life. I haven't been dwelling on this number like some others do as a THE definitive marker in my life's journey. Though, as this birthday has drawn closer, I have realized that it is kind of a big deal. Whether I want to admit it or not, 30 changes things. No longer in your 20s, there are certain societal expectations of how you should act or things you should have accomplished by this stage of your life. I wonder if I will live up to the criteria of others. Let's get real, do I ever? No.

Many of my friends, acquaintances and even bloggers I follow seem to have embarked on a "30 Before 30" bucket list sometime in their late 20s. I thought about it last year at this time. I'm not great with deadlines, so I determined the whole process would feel more like an obligation then enjoyment to me. I opted out of this particular fad. It did however left me a bit curious about what I might have done differently if I had actually sat down and created a list of things to check-off before 30 ebbed closer. GULP. Guess I'll never know. I'm ok with that actually.

Instead, I decided to give myself some props. If you know me you are well aware that isn't really my style. On the whole I would classify myself as a more self-depricating personality. I don't throw a lot of compliments my own way.

So, HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY to me.
Here are 30 things I'm proud that I accomplished before turning 30.
{in no particular order}

1. i married the love of my life. <3
2. i know how to use power tools like a pro.
3. i rescued a pound dog named reese and made him family.
4. i learned to tell people that i love them ... and only when i really mean it.
5. i have read over 300 books.
6. i know how to bake delicious desserts.
7. i learned to like and eat tomatoes, granola, squash, spinach, avocado and yogurt.
8. i own a beautiful, comfortable home that i love living in.
9. i know how to sew.
10. i can throw a football in a tight spiral for at least 40 yards.
11. i know how to change a tire & check the oil in my car.
12. i still send hand-written, thoughtful thank you notes.
13. i have excellent penmanship.
14. i have vacationed outside the US more than once.
15. i can bait a hook & catch a fish.
16. i took my granny on an all expenses paid vacation to somewhere she had always wanted to go.
17. i have driven cross-country from Atlanta to LA with a dear friend.
18. i have hiked the grand canyon.
19. i gave away 10% of my last year's salary to charity.
20. i have a savings account and a ROTH IRA that i contribute $$ to regularly.
21. i consider my little brother & his wife two of my very dearest friends.
22. i found the courage to quit a job that no longer made my happy.
23. i have my own photography & graphic design business.
24. i wrote a book documenting my granny's life because i am in awe of her.
25. i carry my own shopping bags everywhere to avoid taking a plastic bag from stores.
26. i have had my writing published.
27. i have been snorkeling and wasn't afraid of being eaten by a shark the entire time!
28. i have seen 6 broadway plays - 1 actually on BROADWAY!!!
29. i have helped build homes and churches for those in need with my bare hands.
30. i was the first person in my family to graduate from college.

Way to go Ash. Hey, you're not so bad after all :)